To boldly go where no one has gone before

Dr. Robert Ballard, president of the Institute for Exploration, announces details about his next expedition in the Black Sea, Aegean and Mediterranean in search of undiscovered wonders of the undersea world, as well as lost chapters of human history, in the Nautilus Live Theater at the Mystic Aquarium, located in Mystic Thursday, July 28, 2011.Tim Martin/The DayBuy Photo

Through a live internet feed from the Mystic Aquarium this morning, Robert Ballard, discoverer of the Titanic, introduced his team of scientists, engineers and educators aboard the vessel E/V Nautilus — currently sailing the Black Sea, over 5,000 miles away.

The feed, named Telepresence, provides a unique insight for aquarium visitors to the five month-long mission of the 64-meter ship, based in Yalikavak, Turkey.

Members aboard the ship will use four remotely operated vehicles, Hercules, Argus, Diana and Echo, to explore underwater volcanic fields and active volcanoes, search for ancient cultural sites and shipwreck and study the chemistry of rocks and sediment.

The remotely operated vehicles can dive up to 13,000 feet or the height of about nine Empire State buildings back to back.

"To go where no one has gone before on planet Earth and you're going there because it fascinates you is sort of like a game of Clue," Ballard said. "We're all about creating moments of discovery."

The Nautilus web site, www.nautiluslive.org/, features live video feeds from cameras aboard the ship and the remotely operated vehicles.

Live programs are available to aquarium's visitors at no extra charge. The Nautilus Live Theater shows are scheduled for 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m., and 4:30 p.m. through mid-November.

Dr. Robert Ballard, president of the Institute for Exploration, announces details about his next expedition in the Black Sea, Aegean and Mediterranean in search of undiscovered wonders of the undersea world, as well as lost chapters of human history, in the Nautilus Live Theater at the Mystic Aquarium, located in Mystic Thursday, July 28, 2011.Tim Martin/The DayBuy Photo